White Rose Documents

On 22 February 1943, three German White Rose activists, students Christoph Probst, Hans and Sophie Scholl, were executed by guillotine for urging the overthrow of the Nazi government: just some of the many Germans who attempted to oppose fascism. As the blade fell, Hans called out “Let freedom live!” This is our archive of the leaflets they distributed before their deaths:

White Rose documents

All the leaflets published by the White Rose group of anti-fascists in Germany, including other documents and texts related to the group.

3 Responses to White Rose Documents

These young people, the Scholls and their friends, were amazing. They knew from the moment they resisted that they would sooner or later be caught and killed. They knew their resistance meant certain death – but that was never going to stop them! They were guillotined under Himmler’s ‘special’ orders when they were all in their early 20s. Brave and beautiful souls each one. I had the great privilege of meeting one of the only survivors from the group in Munich in the 90s. So very pleased they’re coming to wider attention and recognition now.

Their bravery remains deeply moving. Their isolation from allied resistance to the Nazis, makes their actions of the highest moral order, to have acted like they did in the face of State evil. I hope their example, their story, is included in all history lessons about WW2.

So glad you’re posting about the White Rose. I’m author of “Sophie Scholl and the White Rose,” companion to the Academy Award nominated German film (“Sophie Scholl: The Final Days”) – but telling the entire story of the White Rose group. I do inspiring, energizing multimedia lecture program – SOPHIE SCHOLL, THE WHITE ROSE RESISTANCE – AND HEROES IN THE FIGHT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS – that has raised consciousness and mobilized action for years, always updating it to current events – but THIS year I’ve been inundated by requests and students wanting help with project on this subject. You can check it out here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judnewborn/